Iran fires ballistic missiles at UK base | World | News
Iran targeted the joint UK-US military base in Diego Garcia by firing ballistic missiles at the Chagos Islands, according to US officials. US officials said two missiles were launched, but neither hit the base. Reports indicate that one of the missiles failed in flight, while a US destroyer fired an SM-3 interceptor at the other.
The launch took place just hours after Sir Keir Starmer gave the US permission to use the Diego Garcia base. The approval allows US forces to launch strikes against Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz that are considered a threat to shipping. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the decision on Friday.
He said: “Ignoring his own people, Mr Starmer is endangering British lives by allowing UK bases to be used to attack Iran.”
He stated that Iran will use its right of self-defense.
Former US Centcom spokesman Col. Joe Buccino called the move “strategic.”
“Iran wants to do as much damage as possible, involve as many countries as possible, cause as much damage to the West, Israel and the Gulf countries as possible.”
He added: “They want an American amphibious assault.”
The distance between southern Iran and Diego Garcia is approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles).
Reports describe this as one of the longest-range launches linked to the current conflict.
Analysis shows that Iran’s missile arsenal consists mainly of short-range weapons that can travel up to 1,000 kilometers and medium-range missiles that can reach up to 3,000 kilometers.
Long-range systems that can travel farther are believed to be still under development.
Unconfirmed reports on social media shortly before 9pm on Friday suggested that radar systems in the Gulf had detected the launch.
But it remains unclear how far the missiles traveled before they malfunctioned or were stopped.
Donald Trump he also criticized the UK’s response, saying Sir Keir “should have moved much more quickly” in allowing use of the base.
He said: “There was a very late response from England. I was surprised because relations are that good, but this has never happened before.”
He later said US forces were “very close” to achieving key objectives, including weakening Iran’s missile capabilities.
The UK Ministry of Defense has been approached for comment.
